Thanksgiving and Sir Ed

Nov 30, 2004 | Antarctica

It’s always an interesting week and this week was no exception here at McMurdo Sound. First a quick tour around our station. Above is Derelict Junction (meeting place/parking lot) with the galley off to the left and the housing on the right. Dead ahead are two...

Cape Evans and Scott’s Hut

Nov 18, 2004 | Antarctica

Robert Falcon Scott arrived at Cape Evans on January 5, 1911 and within two weeks erected and occupied the “Terra Nova” Hut–named after his ship. It was the largest and best built hut in Antarctica and housed up to 25 people and 17 ponies....

South Pole

Nov 6, 2004 | Antarctica

About 850 miles due south of McMurdo Sound is the South Pole–the object of exploratory fascination 100 years ago, and indeed, today. I am lucky enough to be the only passenger on a Pole-bound LC-130 ski plane and therefore get to ride in the cockpit. There are...

Discovery Hut

Nov 1, 2004 | Antarctica

Discovery Hut was the first building built on the Antarctica continent by Robert Falcon Scott in 1902. The building consists of Australian jarrah wood and was based on a design used in the hot climate of the Australian outback. After being preassembled on the west...

Castle Rock, Ross Island

Oct 17, 2004 | Antarctica

Three miles due north of McMurdo Station is a superb rock feature called Castle Rock. On Sunday with no wind predicted, Martina, Dan and I plan an ascent. We first check out at the firehouse, collect our radio and leave our itinerary with Firehouse Annie. We transit...

Ozone and Snow

Oct 14, 2004 | Antarctica

Dr. Linnea Avallone, atmospheric scientist from CU in Boulder, Colorado invites me out on the ice to look for ozone in the snow. This is a big place and ozone exists only 15 parts per billion which sounds like our current national debt. To make their job easier, her...